Google announces Android One 'next step'

Google is expanding Android One to reach more users. The initiative aims to help device manufacturers build affordable Android smartphones based on a scaled-down version of the software. Aimed at developing markets, the idea has proved popular.

Google launched Android One back in 2014 as part of its plan to bring the next billion people online. In a blog post today, it detailed its progress so far and announced the "next step" in the program. The company is bringing Android One to additional partners, regions and price points, making the Android ecosystem more accessible.

Every Android One phone comes with a Google-first software experience. To ensure the device runs smoothly, preinstalled apps are kept to a minimum and are curated by the company. Out of the box, the Android experience is almost stock, offering a modern design and smooth performance.

"Simple, fresh and secure"

Xiaomi Mi A1

Xiaomi

Android One is also regularly updated, keeping it secure and ensuring feature upgrades are delivered on a timely basis. Android is notorious for its fragmented ecosystem, a weakness which sees many older phones, particularly those in developing markets, go without updates. With the One program, Google offers consumers in less developed regions a way to access a secure and reliable smartphone experience.

After originally launching in India, Android One has expanded to several regions around the world. Google said it's planning to bring Android One devices to new territories after observing the success of the concept. In Japan, phones with the Android One label are some of the most popular devices bought from Softbank's Y!Mobile stores. Google's working with partners to launch Android One in additional regions, offering consumers a "simple, fresh and secure" smartphone.

"When we launched Android One in India back in 2014, the goal was to get the next billion people online by providing them with high quality, affordable phones," said Google. "Since then, the larger community has told us they value what Android One stands for across a range of phones – a refreshingly simple software experience that is accessible, always fresh and stays ahead of the curve, with improvements to battery life, usability, and of course, security."

Xiaomi Mi A1

Xiaomi Mi A1

Xiaomi

Today, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi announced its first Android One device. Developed in collaboration with Google, it offers a 5.5-inch display, a 2x optical zoom, 12MP dual camera and a large 3,080mAh battery. It's a flagship Android One device priced at 14,999 rupees, around $234.

The Mi A1 will be available in "dozens" of markets worldwide, including India, Russia, Vietnam and Indonesia. Countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Central and South America are also listed.

With Android One attracting more attention than anticipated, Google's stepping up the program to make smartphones more accessible. In many ways, Android One is a second attempt at Android, aiming to erase some of the missteps of its parent. With regular updates and a clean software experience, it's a platform where Google's tech comes first. The sales success implies consumers like the idea.